Zillertal Arena Ski Area

About 40km east of Innsbruck ranging from 560m to 3,280m in the province of Tirol, Zillertal (taken from the name ‘Ziller River’) is home to many 3,000m high standing snowy peaks. Zillertal offers amazing panoramic views of the High Alps and has one of the most advanced cable cars in the world - the 3s Penkenbahn.

The ski region offers over 508 km of downhill skiing where snow is guaranteed throughout the season. Zillertal is divided into four ski regions, including Hochzillertal – Hochfugen, Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofen and Ski & Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000. With an average gradient of 78% even the most advanced skiers are tested on Harakiri in Mayrofen.

Ski Resorts in Zillertal

Mayrhofen lies on the bottom of the Zillertal valley, with one of Europe's most underrated ski areas fanning out in the Alps above. From the Hintertux Glacier - one of Europe's steepest and snow-sure year round - to the neighbouring villages of Finkenberg and Lanersbach and the slopes that tower above them, this is a ski area with loads to offer. With hours of sun beaming down, Hochzillertal – Hochfugen - Speiljoch is where the Zillertal valley reaches its broadest point. With slopes up to 2,500m the Fugen offers fun for the whole family with 47 lifts and 100 km of downhill skiing.

The Ahorn and Penken Mountain make up the Mayrhofen ski area. This resort attracts skiers coming back year in year out with its extensive ski area that caters for both beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Enjoy winter hikes in the surrounding forests or relax in the ‘Adventure Swimming Pool’. Mayrhofen is great for après-ski with lots of bars, restaurants and clubs.

The Hintertux is regarded one of the most beautiful valleys in Tirol with its highly impressive ski area. With the Hintertux Glacier open all year round skiers and snowboarders can enjoy well-groomed pistes whilst enjoying some award winning cuisine at the excellent mountain resturants.

The Austrian ski experience is second to none. While there isn't the vastness of some French resorts, the natural charm of the villages combined with wonderful skiing on and off-piste, the beautiful scenery and the unique Austrain take on après ski will make your ski holiday here one to remember. Don't be surprised to find yourself dancing in your ski boots to an oompah band with a bunch of friendly locals!

Skiing in Zillertal

With perfectly groomed slopes the Zillertal ski area caters for all levels of skiing from skiers and snowboarders just starting out to expert level. There truly is something for everyone ranging from demanding black runs, sports runs for speed racing, deep powder off-piste skiing to wide carving sunny slopes for family and beginners.

The region is also great for snowboarders with varying snow-parks throughout, catering for every level of snowboarding. The snowparks are fully equipped with kickers and obstacles making it the perfect place to learn new tricks and improve your skills. The Vans Penken Park in Mayrhofen in one of the best snowparks in Austria.

Whether you are young or old and wanting to advance your skiing or snowboarding skills, Zillertal has lots of great ski schools for all abilities.

Ski Holidays in Zillertal

Ski holidays in Zillertal are perfect for both families and groups. The main airport for ski holidays in Zillertal is Innsbruck which is just an hour away. The short transfer makes Mayrfon the perfect resort for short breaks and families travelling with small children.

With various bars and restaurants in all resorts there is enough choice to cater for everyone's appetite. Zillertal is known for its great après-ski! With bars and restaurants ranging from the resort villages to the top of the mountain there are plenty of ways to enjoy the end of your day. The mountain huts offer amazing panoramic views whilst down in the valley the various après-ski bars hold some legendary parties with great atmosphere well into the night.

You will never be bored in Zillertal with the amount of activities on offer, other than skiing you can also have a go at hiking, snowshoeing, ski-tours, ice-skating, curling, sleigh rides, paragliding, snow-tubing and even ice-climbing. If after the long day skiing you prefer to relax there are plenty of health spa facilities through the region.

Top Tips from the Iglu Ski Experts

Best bars in Mayrhofen -

Bruck ‘n’ Stadl for the best apres atmosphere in that goes on into the night

Ice Bar and the bottom of the Penken Gondola

Scotland Yard for an English pub vibe

Harakiri for late night partying

Best mountain bars in Mayrhofen -

Pilzbar and Elchbar at the top of the Penken gondola

White lounge Igloo bar on Ahorn

Best ski runs in Mayrhofen -

Ahorn mountain for beautiful and wide ski runs through the trees. This is a great area is there are different abilities in the group as you can’t really get lost here.

Harakiri is the steepest black run in Austria

There is some awesome off piste routes in the Penken Bowl if there is good snow (get a guide).

Head to Hintetux for the best snow conditions and deep powder skiing after fresh snowfall.